Spanish prosecutors launch probe into racist abuse of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior

Spanish prosecutors have opened a probe into racist chants aimed at Real Madrid's star forward Vinicius Junior during the La Liga match at Valencia on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Brazilian international forward was targeted by home supporters during the 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla Stadium and was later sent off.

A judicial source has told AFP that the prosecutor's office in Valencia is now investigating the incident as a possible “hate crime”.

The move comes after Real Madrid said it had filed a complaint with the office “in order for the facts to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable”.

During the match on Sunday, Vinicius stood in front of fans behind the goal and pointed to the apparent culprit and play was delayed for several minutes in the second half.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for racist insults to stop before play resumed 10 minutes later. The referee wrote in his post-match report that a fan shouted “monkey, monkey” at the player.

Vinicius was sent-off in added time at the end of the game for hitting Valencia player Hugo Duro during a brawl, while the player would later say on social media that La Liga “now belongs to racists” after the latest incident.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior after receiving a red card against Valencia. EPA

That provoked a response from La Liga president Javier Tebas, who wrote on Twitter that it is doing enough and that Vinicius should inform himself “before you criticise and slander La Liga”.

Valencia has said it banned one of its fans for life and was looking to identify others who may have abused the player.

“From the moment that the unfortunate events occurred, the club has analysed all the